13 things to bring on your first day of chemotherapy

Finding out you need chemotherapy can be an incredibly emotional and challenging experience. The big questions like 'How will this affect me long term?' are hard enough, without having to worry about the small things like what to bring to the sessions themselves.

Fiona Charman is a Clinical Nurse Specialist for Head and Neck Cancer at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and has created a helpful list of things to bring to hospital so you feel as prepared and comfortable as possible:

1. Comfy clothing and a blanket

If you're having intravenous chemotherapy you may be in hospital for up to seven hours so you want to feel relaxed and comfortable. You may be hooked up to a drip of fluid to flush out your kidneys, then have your infusion (a bag of fluid with your chemotherapy drug dissolved into it) and then have your kidneys flushed again. Wear trousers with elasticated waists and short-sleeved tops so it's easy for the nurses to do injections. Some chemotherapy treatments can make you& feel cold so bring a soft blanket and neck pillow.

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2. Notebook and pen

It's likely your doctor or nurse will give you information when you leave such as when to take your medication, how to help with nausea and appointment dates, so it's helpful to have a notebook to jot these down. You can also use it to write notes in outside the sessions and bring with you: things like how you've been feeling after sessions and any questions you don't want to forget to ask. You should also be given written information from your medical team.

3. A friend

There can be a lot of hanging around during chemotherapy treatment, both before you start and during, so bring a friend to keep you company. Most units have space to have someone with you, but it's wise to check with them in advance.

4. Cards, boardgames, books, puzzles

5. Headphones and music

Headphones can serve a double purpose. Listening to music or relaxation tracks will help you relax and pass the time, and it can also help block out the hospital sounds, which are a real source of stress for many. Make sure you tell your nurse you're going to have headphones on in case they try to get your attention from outside the room.

6. Crochet, knitting, colouring books

Use your chemotherapy treatment as a chance to take up a new, relaxing hobby. You may even want to start a diary or do colouring in, which is very 'in-vogue' at the moment.

7. Fizzy drinks

Fizzy drinks that are starting to go flat such as coca cola or ginger beer can help combat nausea. While hospitals will have water for you to drink, chemotherapy can change your taste buds so you may prefer to take a bottle of water from home.

8. Snacks such as ginger biscuits or plain crackers

These can also help you battle nausea and keep your energy levels up during chemotherapy. It's helpful to eat little and often, rather than big meals, to help with sickness. If you are struggling with eating or drinking, be sure to ask to speak with a hospital dietician.

9. Medication

Take your current medication and any vitamins, minerals or herbal remedies you're taking with you so you can check with your chemotherapy nurse that it won't affect your treatment.

10. Vaseline or lip balm

Chemotherapy can dry out your lips and make them sore so a lip balm is a must.

11. A handkerchief and aromatherapy oil

You might be able to smell the chemotherapy drugs, which can sometimes trigger sickness. Take a handkerchief and put aromatherapy oil on it to smell instead (but never drink or eat these oils). Lavender oil is particularly good as it's relaxing and safe. Local cancer support centres and some hospitals have complementary therapists who can advise which oils to use. It may be a good idea to alternate the oils as otherwise you will always associate that smell with having treatment.

12. Toothbrush and toothpaste

This will help with nausea and make you feel fresh after treatment. Check with your medical team if it would be best to have toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums.

13. Chewing gum or boiled sweets

These will help mask the smell of chemotherapy treatments, and take away any strange tastes.

No one should face cancer alone. For information and support on cancer visit macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 00 00

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Reviewed by
David Maxton
and Dr Jeff Butterworth, Gastroenterologist

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